Prior to coming to UBC, I had always thought that gender biases were irrelevant in academia. I was under the mistaken impression that intelligence and the pursuit of knowledge would be valued above a person’s sex. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.
In fact, following an awkward confrontation with a female professor last semester, I became aware of my own gender bias towards the women who lectured within my faculty.
The confrontation occurred because I had referred to my professor by her first name instead of her title. She had perceived my faux pas as a sign of disrespect for her work, her position as a professor, as well as her accomplishments and I was shocked. I was shocked not only because it was not my intention to do so but also because that was the point when I began to take notice of the gender disparity that existed within my faculty as well as the university and I had to ask. Why?
I received my answer when I watched the documentary “Miss Representation.”
I think we are all aware that the media saturates arguably every aspect of our lives. From the music we listen to on the radio when we go to school to the magazines and newspapers we read in waiting rooms, we cannot seem to escape its influence. An influence that seems to mock the idea of intellect in a female. It seems to suggest that intelligence in women is something we should try to hide.
Very few media outlets portray women in a position of power. If they are, it is usually not in a positive light. Being constantly bombarded with over sexualized images of women, telling us what women should aspire to be, and placing us in these very limitting stereotypical boxes, it is quite clear to me now how the academic community has failed to remain immune to social media and popular culture.
If the women we are confronted with everyday are praised for their beauty, their sexualty, and vapid accomplishments, how can young men and women entering the academic environment make the psychological transition from worshipping the female body to appreciating and respecting her mind?
References
youtube.com
OWN network
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